week 259 ~ I make a wooden carving of my heart
I make a wooden carving of my heart
and hang it where some passing saint might take
notice and grant beneficence no part
of me should doubt divine wisdom will make
its broken pieces somehow fit again
how can there be faith that will not falter
fé não costuma faihar for human
dignity’s brave persistence to alter
fate can I join these pilgrims humbly walk
velhas ruas do Rio believing
in second chances a time to unlock
the road ahead and place my offering
on the alter of instinct as I fall
to grace wrapped in the wonder of it all
fé não costuma faihar – faith that will not falter, is written on an exhibit description at the Edson Folk Museum and the words struck me when I saw them this week. They are also the second line in the chorus of Gilberto Gil’s Andar com Fé, (Walking with Faith) a beautiful Bahian MPB song from 1982.
velhas ruas do Rio – old streets of Rio.
It is quite striking how Rio has influenced the tone on this poem…very pleasant.
slpmartin
September 29, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Yes, it has. Travel often involves trying on a new perspective for me, in music and writing.
mairmusic
September 29, 2013 at 2:50 pm
just sat here and read this over three time. It’s perfect. Every line a gem. The entire poem is a graceful affirmation and the closing “alter of Instinct” and “grace wrapped in wonder” … truly inspired.
Jamie Dedes
October 4, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Oh, thanks so very much, Jamie. I truly admire your writing so it is an honor to have you here to read, understand, and to like my things as well.
mairmusic
October 5, 2013 at 9:47 am